SL/R129: 2001 SL500 “All keys lost” - best route to take?
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
2001 SL500 “All keys lost” - best route to take?
Hey all - tried transferring over the internals of my 2001 SL500 key to a new shell and accidentally split the transponder in half. The key is dead and I have no other spares.
My local Benz dealer says it’s not possible to get one of these flip out 3 button IR keys anymore. No local locksmith will touch it either.
I have heard of LA Car Tech’s service where you send in one of the modules and they can program an aftermarket key for you.
I have also seen a few posts with people converting the antiquated IR key system to a more modern aftermarket RF system, but don’t really want to mess with any wiring.
Has anyone dealt with this recently? Any advice with which route to go? Thanks in advance
My local Benz dealer says it’s not possible to get one of these flip out 3 button IR keys anymore. No local locksmith will touch it either.
I have heard of LA Car Tech’s service where you send in one of the modules and they can program an aftermarket key for you.
I have also seen a few posts with people converting the antiquated IR key system to a more modern aftermarket RF system, but don’t really want to mess with any wiring.
Has anyone dealt with this recently? Any advice with which route to go? Thanks in advance
#2
Super Member
I thought the newer and older cars had more options for replacing a key than say a 1997.
There has been LOTS of discussion and real life stories about this issue on this site and the other one.
Between the two sites, you should be able to move forward.
There has been LOTS of discussion and real life stories about this issue on this site and the other one.
Between the two sites, you should be able to move forward.
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Bahrain
Posts: 2,570
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R129 SL55 AMG & W208 CLK55 AMG
Tell your MB dealer to cut the crap and put a little more effort into ordering one for you from MB.
They need to do their GD job over there!
Here's the part you need. I ordered mine after hassling my dealer and it took 3 weeks to arrive.
They need to do their GD job over there!
Here's the part you need. I ordered mine after hassling my dealer and it took 3 weeks to arrive.
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sp3000 (03-12-2024)
#4
Newbie
Thread Starter
I have tried five different dealers - no key components are available for order (not even a valet/key blade). The system will not let them place the order as I asked them to just try anyway per what I read on the forums. Parts manager turned their display around and showed me the order they tried to place was instantly canceled. All key parts read “final stock” and 0 are available in USA or in Germany. I have tried reaching out to executives at MBUSA who have been utterly useless.
#7
I'll get one
In todays environment of entrepreneurship, I'm a little surprised it hasn't happened.
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#8
Junior Member
#10
Newbie
Thread Starter
I had to go aftermarket - dealer network was no use and refused to provide a solution. I used Precision ECU - they were fantastic, couldn’t recommend them more.
#11
Newbie
Thread Starter
Also, not sure if Precision ECU sells whole keys (I think they do, but might be $$ compared to LA Car Tech). My situation was unique as I had a functioning key but broken transponder chip. I shipped them the SKREEM module from under the dashboard and they were able to program a replacement transponder chip for $215. Insanely fast turnaround - the chip and module were shipped back out to me within 24 hours of delivery. Oh, return shipping was included, too.
#12
Junior Member
update from Poland
the MBE coding is working. Today I went to this company and they made me a new fob which works like OEM- all 4 buttons. The new fob has a Mercedes logo. I have seen a FOB like this one once in UK but never in Poland. I also bought
one valet key with transponder inside.
MBE manager told that they are making a lot of old Mercedes FOBs for US market, mainly for Sprinters. They also sell the device for coding new keys. And also they can code new keys even without having original keys.
I paid 1400 PLN (about 350$) for one new FOB, for one new cover for old FOB and one valet key.
Last edited by kamil.kniczek; 03-22-2024 at 09:57 AM.
#13
Junior Member
LA cartech is legit
I just got my key back from LA Cartech, less then one week turnaround. The dude called me on the phone and walked me through the final steps of programing. Works perfectly, highly recommend.
98 SL500
98 SL500
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hunter_e63 (03-27-2024)
#14
Junior Member
HI I called MB Canada directly and told them I lost my key, After sending them a proof of ownership I got the key two weeks later at the dealer who told me it was impossible for them to get the key....
#15
R129 keys
Hey all - tried transferring over the internals of my 2001 SL500 key to a new shell and accidentally split the transponder in half. The key is dead and I have no other spares.
My local Benz dealer says it’s not possible to get one of these flip out 3 button IR keys anymore. No local locksmith will touch it either.
I have heard of LA Car Tech’s service where you send in one of the modules and they can program an aftermarket key for you.
I have also seen a few posts with people converting the antiquated IR key system to a more modern aftermarket RF system, but don’t really want to mess with any wiring.
Has anyone dealt with this recently? Any advice with which route to go? Thanks in advance
My local Benz dealer says it’s not possible to get one of these flip out 3 button IR keys anymore. No local locksmith will touch it either.
I have heard of LA Car Tech’s service where you send in one of the modules and they can program an aftermarket key for you.
I have also seen a few posts with people converting the antiquated IR key system to a more modern aftermarket RF system, but don’t really want to mess with any wiring.
Has anyone dealt with this recently? Any advice with which route to go? Thanks in advance